Aurora community seeks to curb increase in crime

Residents and community leaders concerned with increasing violence and crime in an Aurora public housing community have organized to push for change.

Jericho Circle, a Section 8 housing development run by the Aurora Housing Authority, has seen crime increase since the beginning of the year, particularly since the spring, according to police.

Ald. Rick Lawrence (4th) realized how much help was needed after joining Police Officer Dave Brian, who is assigned to the Jericho Circle area, for a recent visit of the community.

The two called for a community meeting, held last week, to address concerns about Jericho Circle, which is on the near west side.

The meeting allowed residents to voice concerns about living conditions and quality of life. They focused largely on the lack of activities and resources for children. Some leaders were upset with parents for allowing their children to run through the community unattended.

Lawrence and Brian described the trash and chaos they saw as they pulled into Jericho Circle after 1 a.m. on a recent weeknight.

Lawrence said he now hopes to set up a neighborhood and tenant council for adults and an after-school homework help program, along with music classes for youths.

Residents want action too. Brenda Handley has spent the last 20 years at Jericho Circle raising her 11 children. Nine of them still live with her, and she's worried about their fate.

Until funding ran out last year, the YWCA ran an after-school and day-off homework help program at the Jericho Community Center. Annah Mitchell, Aurora YWCA's director of marketing and development, said $30,000 would get the program running again, but the agency has had a hard time generating funds.

Questions remain about accountability for the recent problems. Lawrence said the housing authority should help facilitate programs and private security.

Housing authority Executive Director Rick Brace said his hands are tied, citing declining budgets and increasing expenses. He said he hopes outside funding and neighborhood or tenant councils will improve communication.

Lawrence said he hopes to get neighborhood meetings set up within a few weeks. He and state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) are working to secure funding for additional programs.